Shadowdance(105)

She wanted to let what he’d done to her go, but the years of strife between them, the wasted years of petty insults that were all for nothing, swelled within her. And her jaw locked, refusing to open.

Which was clearly answer enough for Jack. “Right.” Ducking his head, he strode across the room.

Mary’s nerves leapt as he came near, but he merely walked past her.

“Where are you going?” Her voice was woebegone, and she cursed herself for a fool.

He halted at the door. His knuckles whitened as he clutched the doorframe, but he did not face her. “Home. You need rest.”

“I do not. I am fine.” Lie. Nothing felt fine. He’d turned her world on its ear.

He gave a half-laugh. “Well, then I need mine.” His fingers spread over the glossy wood. “I—” He drew in a stiff breath, and it seemed as though he would go, but he hesitated. His eyes, when he turned to her, burned with emotion that left her oddly breathless. Jack’s low voice rolled over her. “I’m glad you are well, Chase.”

Chase. As if they had gone back to the beginning.





Chapter Twenty-Nine





This time, when Jack stormed into Will’s lair, the bastard was ready for him. He had barely opened the door when a fist slammed into his face. Jack staggered back into the open doorframe.

Will grinned at him through a red haze. Grunting, Jack glanced at Will’s fist. “You bloody fuck. Throwing punches with iron knuckles?” He launched forward, catching Will about the neck. They slammed down, splintering a wood chair on impact. Jack’s fist smashed into Will’s smug face. Twice.

Will merely laughed through the blood. Then he jabbed Jack in the gut. It sent a raw shard of agony straight down Jack’s spine. With a snarl he grabbed Will’s head and bashed his forehead into Will’s thin nose. The bony protuberance crunched, metallic scented blood pouring out. Jack leapt back, distancing himself before he did the man further violence.

His chest sawed up and down, anger and the fight still coursing through him. Will lurched to a sitting position and yanked a handkerchief out of his pocket. A crack rang out as he reset his nose and then glared up at Jack. “Jesus, Jack, you’re a pain in my arse.”

“Rather thought you’d say nose.” Jack was tempted to hit it again. Years of experience had taught him the nose was a man’s true weak spot. And Will’s aristocratic snout made an excellent target.

One shining black eye narrowed behind a hank of limp pale hair. “Rotter.” Will hauled himself up and righted one of the remaining chairs before sitting in it, his long legs sprawled. Wiping the blood away, he smiled grimly. “I simply wanted to slow you down before you threw another knife at me.”

“I never threw gold, nor Christ’s-thorn,” Jack pointed out bitterly. They were two materials that sanguis demons found intolerable, as they would burn through the demon’s system and cause great pain, even death if used properly. Just as iron did to a shifter. Jack rubbed his jaw gingerly. “A low move, Will.”

Will shrugged. “Never claimed to be a saint.” He tossed the bloody linen on the table. “What is it now?”

“The Nex led Chase to my rendezvous point tonight. Have you sold me downriver, Thorne?” Jack took a step closer, the need to shift shimmering over his too-tight skin. “Because I assure you, it won’t go well for you from here on out.”

Will, unaware or uncaring of the danger, laughed lightly. “ ‘Downriver’? You sound like Lucien Stone.”

That stopped him. Jack cocked his head and studied his old friend. “What do you know of Stone?”

Will slouched, looping an arm over the back of his chair. “Who doesn’t know Stone? Do not let his little lazy effeminate charade fool you. He’s infamous. A killer.” Icy eyes pinned him. “And you’ve always underestimated him. I do wonder what he thinks of you toying about with his former pet.”

How little Will knew. Jack had never underestimated that conniving bastard. He’d never been allowed the luxury.

But Lucien had been correct in one thing. Jack was no good for Mary. He’d failed to protect her tonight, and had exposed her to Amaros.

Jack’s teeth met with an audible click as he stared down at Will. “Why have the Nex involved Chase? What do you want with her?” Though he could guess. The thought was a cold ballast stone in his gut.

Will’s cocksure demeanor vanished. “Jack, you should know, my superiors have not involved me in this. I believe they find our former connection to be a weakness.” It hurt Will to admit, that was clear.

Crossing his arms in front of him, Jack stood firm and pretended that his heart weren’t trying to pound out of his ribs. When would it end? This feeling of disgust? The need to tear free from his own flesh? Few things mattered to him anymore. But Mary did.